Chapter Twenty-Seven
Amiya
W here did the month go?
I swear it seemed like the engagement time crawled at a snail’s pace until I made it to the island, and the past three weeks just whizzed by at warp speed.
Now, we’re ten days from the big event, and everything feels rushed.
Admittedly, I lost several days after the trip to Atlanta. I was in a fog. But I know for a fact that my grandmother would be so angry with me if I let her situation keep me from being present for Avie. So, I pulled up my big-girl socks, as she would say, and got my ass back in gear. Throwing the most epic coed bridal-groomal shower of all time. The Bloody Mary and bougie beer bars were a hit.
Even Naomie enjoyed partaking.
Next up on the agenda is today’s bridal luncheon for the bridal party, mothers, Nana, and Ida Mae, hosted by me and the bridesmaids: Lisa, Savannah, and Eden. Followed by the pièce de resistance—the bachelorette party—on Friday night.
I have a meticulously planned day and night in store for Avie and the girls, and I can’t wait.
Eden picks me up at eleven, and we head to the wharf. Employees from the Boathouse Restaurant are already setting up the tables under the tent that has been erected near the water.
The ocean breeze plays with the white lace of the tablecloths as we stand at the edge of the deck, looking out at the shimmering liquid horizon. The sky is painted in soft blues and swirled with white clouds, blending seamlessly into the calm sea. Everything looks perfect, just as I imagined it would. Yet a knot of nerves sits heavy in my stomach. I want every detail to be flawless.
“It’s gorgeous,” Eden squeals.
I take a deep breath, letting the salty air fill my lungs, and then slowly release it.
Today is about Avie. My best friend, the person who’s been with me through everything. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that she deserves nothing less than perfect.
We walk over to survey the setup. The long table, draped in pale lavender linen, is nestled under the shade of the white canopy. Delicate arrangements of peonies, hydrangeas, and daisies spill from tall crystal vases, their soft pinks and creamy whites reflecting the wedding color palette. The silver cutlery glints in the light, and the champagne flutes are lined up in neat rows, waiting to be filled.
The staff is still moving around, adjusting things here and there, but everything is almost ready. Just in time.
I glance at my watch. Momma C should be arriving with Avie and Leia at any minute now.
“Sorry we’re late. Is everything set?”
We turn to see Lisa and Savannah approaching behind us, concern in their expressions.
I nod. “It looks perfect. They really brought our vision to life.”
“Wow,” Savannah bellows when she makes it to us. “They sure did.”
The Boathouse’s event coordinator approaches. “Is everything to your liking, Miss Chelton?”
“Yes, Claudette, it’s lovely.”
“Excellent,” she says as she checks the time. “Our servers will start bringing the food down in thirty minutes. You ladies are welcome to sit and enjoy a champagne cocktail and some cornbread muffins with whipped honey butter while you wait. I’m going to head back up to the restaurant to make sure everything is ready. If you need anything, you can have one of the servers contact me.”
“I will,” I say. “Thank you for everything.”
As she walks away, I glance back at the table, my eyes skimming over the details one last time. The floral arrangements are centered. There are a correct number of place settings. I’m sure everything is fine, but I can’t help feeling like I’ve missed something.
It’s probably just nerves. This luncheon is important. Avie’s been my best friend since high school, and now, she’s getting married. It’s hard to believe how fast time has gone by. I want to give her something beautiful, something that reflects how special she is. Something that shows her how much she’s loved.
I smooth my light-blue sundress, which matches the color of the sky today. The sound of waves crashing against the pier is soothing, as are the sound of seagulls crying in the distance, the conversations from the people strolling about on the wharf, and the hum of the fishing boat engines coming to life.
This is the heart of Sandcastle Cove, and that’s why I wanted to have it here.
“Auntie Miya.”
I turn at the sound of Leia’s voice to see her running across the gravel parking lot to the pier.
I bend and open my arms for her, and she crashes into my chest.
“Nana bought me a pretty dress,” she says excitedly.
I place my hands on her shoulders and look her up and down. She’s wearing a rose-colored satin dress with a tulle skirt.
“Wow, you look like a princess,” I praise.
Avie steps up behind her, looking like a princess herself. Her long blonde hair is loosely curled, and she’s wearing a simple white maxi that flows around her legs as she walks. She’s glowing.
“You look amazing!” I say as we wrap our arms around each other.
“Thank you. Oh my goodness, Mom is going to lose her mind when she sees this,” she says as she takes in the scene behind me—the table, the flowers, the ocean. “It’s beautiful, Amiya. I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” I tell her, linking my arm with hers and leading her toward the deck. “This is your day. Just relax and enjoy it.”
The other ladies join us, Momma C and Sabel carrying gift bags.
“What are those for?” I ask as I try to peek inside.
Sabel shoos me away. “You’ll see later.”
We walk together, side by side. Lisa, Eden, and Savannah are already seated, sipping champagne. They and the staff cheer when they see Avie, and she grins, blushing slightly as she waves at them as we make our way to the table.
“Sit,” I say, gesturing for her to take the seat at the head of the table. “You’re the guest of honor today.”
Avie laughs and sits down, shaking her head. “You guys are spoiling me.”
“That’s the point,” I tease, taking the seat beside her. “Besides, you deserve it.”
The next hour passes in a blur of laughter, stories, and toasts. The food is incredible—fresh seafood, crisp salads, and light pastries that melt in your mouth. The champagne flows freely, and before long, we’re all giggling like we’re back in high school. Avie’s eyes are bright, and her smile never falters. I watch her as she talks animatedly with the others, and my heart swells with happiness for her.
This is how I want her to remember today—surrounded by the people she loves, laughing without a care in the world.
Avie stands and taps her fork against her flute. “I just want to thank you guys for today. This is … it’s more than I could have ever imagined. You know how to make a girl feel special.”
She nods at Sabel, who reaches down and retrieves the gift bags.
“And I have something for you girls,” Avie says.
Sabel sets one in front of Lisa, Savannah, Eden, and me.
My eyes dart up to Avie. “What’s this? Today is your day.”
“Open it,” Leia bellows.
The four of us dig in, tossing the pink tissue paper aside.
Tucked inside are pajamas, consisting of a pair of black silk shorts and a short-sleeved button-up shirt with our initials monogrammed on the front pocket, and a black velvet box. We open the boxes together to find a delicate gold chain with a pendant that has a seashell engraved on it.
“Wow, this is stunning, Avie,” Savannah coos.
“Sebastian had cuff links with the same engraving made for the groomsmen. We wanted you guys to have something that reminded you of our island.”
“I don’t think we’ll be forgetting Sandcastle Cove anytime soon,” Lisa says. “Bobby is talking about looking for a small vacation home here.”
“It does make an impression,” Sabel chimes.
“Yep. Landing here sure changed my life,” Avie agrees.
I stand and raise my flute. “To Sandcastle Cove,” I chirp.
They all raise their glasses. “To Sandcastle Cove!”